Beyond Barriers

🌟 Be part of the Beyond Barriers mentoring programme  🌟 

Could you help someone grow, build their confidence and reach their full potential?

Beyond Barriers are launching the first cross-industry social mobility mentoring programme. This will create a brilliant opportunity for people from all backgrounds to learn from one another, share lived experiences and build meaningful connections.

Steve White, MD of South Eastern Trains and Co-Sponsor of the Social Mobility Network said “This is a positive and practical step for the Beyond Barriers Network; championing an important mentoring programme which will help more of our colleagues meet their potential , no matter what their background. As we move towards GBR we are building a more integrated and more inclusive railway where no one is left behind. Our Social Mobility Ambition is to positively impact a minimum of 500 people each year from less advantaged backgrounds through opportunity and career progression. Thank you to all the mentors who are making themselves available to help enable the development of their colleagues. I would encourage any colleagues who think this might help them, to find out more. If you want to progress your career, Beyond Barriers are here to help”

Tracey Messner – part of the Beyond Barriers Leadership Team – said “Mentoring can make a real difference. For mentors, it is a chance to give back, support someone else’s development, and learn from different perspectives. Mentoring is a two-way relationship: mentors often strengthen their own listening, coaching and leadership skills while building connections across their organisation and wider industry.”

❓ Who is it for?

🔹 Any Beyond Barriers members interested in developing themselves and others

🔹 People who want to give something back as a mentor

🔹 Colleagues from all organisations across the rail industry

No prior experience needed – just a willingness to learn and support others.

❓ When is it launching?

The closing date for Mentor recruitment is Friday 25th September 2026.

Training on using the platform and guidance on mentoring will be provided by Network Rail’s Talent Team on Thursday 22nd October 2026. You will then be provided with information about your matched ‘mentee’. Then you’re all set, ready to go…

❓ What does it involve?

🔹 6 x 1 hour mentoring sessions over 6 months

🔹 Flexible, informal conversations shaped around the individual

🔹 Focus on confidence, career direction, and personal development

🔹 Sharing feedback on the experience at the end of the programme

❓ How can people get involved?

We’re recruiting our valuable mentors first. Registrations will be open until Friday 25th September 2026.  After that, we’ll open registrations for mentees.

Sign up to be a mentor today.

👉 Step 1: Join the Beyond Barriers network: https://lnkd.in/eAZPHbqc

👉 Step 2: Receive a follow‑up email with details

👉 Step 3: Sign up to the mentoring scheme via the platform